BILLY BOB THORNTON
(Jacob Mitchell), an Academy Award®-winning writer and an
accomplished actor and director, has an extensive and impressive
career in motion pictures, television and theater. Charismatic
and uniquely talented, Thornton has established himself as one
of the most sought-after filmmakers of his generation.

The 1996 release of the critically acclaimed and phenomenally
popular feature film "Sling Blade" firmly secured Thornton's
status as a preeminent filmmaker. Thornton directed himself in
the film, from his own screenplay. For his effort, he was honored
in 1996 with both an Academy Award® for Best Adapted Screenplay
and an Academy Award® nomination for Best Actor. "Sling
Blade" also won Thornton an Independent Spirit Award for
Best First Feature Film by a Director as well as the National
Board of Review's Special Achievement in Filmmaking Award. Also
starring in "Sling Blade" were J.T. Walsh, Dwight Yoakam
and John Ritter.

Prior to "Sling Blade," Thornton had an already extensive
motion picture credit list. He wrote and starred in the thrilling
character drama, "One False Move," directed by Carl
Franklin, which brought him immediate critical praise and international
acclaim. Thornton's powerful script (co-written with Tom Epperson),
was enhanced by his intense performance as a hunted criminal.
The screenplay won its authors the International Fantasy Film
Award for 1993.

In addition, he has been featured in such films as "The Winner,"
"Dead Man," and in "Tombstone."

Thornton has also appeared in "On Deadly Ground," "Bound
By Honor," "For The Boys," and "The Stars
Fell on Henrietta." Thornton also scripted "A Family
Thing," a highly regarded feature film that starred Robert
Duvall and James Earl Jones. His screenplay (with Ted Tally) for
"All the Pretty Horses" was recently announced for 1999
release as a vehicle for Matt Damon, with Thornton directing.
Thornton is also re-teaming with collaborator Epperson on another
1999-scheduled release, the black comedy "Camouflage."
And filming began in August, 1998 on another Thornton-written
and -directed comedy, "Daddy and Them."

Thornton has also appeared on television, including a role as
a regular on the CBS comedy series "Hearts Afire" and
the Fox series "The Outsiders." Thornton's stage work
has included performances in such productions as "Lone Star"
and "A Streetcar Named Desire."

Thornton most recently starred in the blockbuster action-adventure
film "Armageddon," and starred opposite Sean Penn in
"U-Turn." He also recently starred in "Primary
Colors" and has completed filming "Pushing Tin."